Switzerland's relations with South Africa (1994-2001)

Abstract:

The transformation of South Africa from a pariah state to an accepted and admired member of the international community is widely considered a miracle. Switzerland, like other western nations, pledged its moral and financial support towards the transition period which followed the first democratic elections in April 1994. The cordial relations between the two countries have, however, been overshadowed by the ongoing debate questioning Swiss-South African links during the apartheid era. This is a qualitative study which has as its main purpose the analysis i.e. description and explanation of Switzerland's relations with South Africa from 1994 to 2001. Although Switzerland's foreign policy towards South Africa will be the main focus of the thesis, the importance of the various state and non-state actors, as well as the various issues that have influenced these relations will also be highlighted. Swiss- South African relations for the given period will be examined by viewing the domains of diplomacy, economy, development and culture. The major finding is that the Swiss government is constrained in its foreign policy decision-making by both domestic and foreign factors. Internally, the political institutions limit the executive powers of the federal government. Externally, the principles of neutrality and universality have provided the Swiss government with greater leeway within the international arena (economically and politically), but they have also evoked much criticism. Due to their firmly rooted adherence to neutrality and universality, the Swiss government and business community continued their ties with apartheid-South Africa, despite domestic and international criticism. A policy of discreet diplomacy was preferred above isolation. Present-day relations continue to be strong, but the Swiss government and business community should deal with their past, while South Africa must continue to seek workable solutions for its myriad of problems in order to ensure that Swiss interest remains focused on the country.